Investigations continue
©DHA
The Turkish Football Association (TFF) has banned numerous referees against the backdrop of a widening betting scandal. The association announced that 149 referees and assistants were suspended for periods between eight and twelve months. Three referees are still being investigated.
A few days ago, allegations against a total of 152 referees became known. They are said to have actively placed bets. The broadcaster “Habertürk” later reported, citing judicial circles, that clubs and players were also being investigated. As a result, 3,700 players are in the sights of the judiciary. The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office is investigating. The top Turkish clubs reacted with shock.
“There were seven referees from the Süper Lig, 15 assistant referees from the Süper Lig, 36 referees from the 1st Lig (second highest division; editor) and 94 assistant referees from the 1st Lig! Of these, 10 referees placed over 10,000 bets, one referee alone placed 18,227 bets, 42 referees placed bets on over 1,000 individual bets Football matches and some referees only placed individual matches,” TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu said on Monday.